Chicago Bears @ Atlanta Falcons: Week 6 Players to Watch

Well that sucked.

Last week I discussed which Packer players to watch and I greatly hope there aren’t as many Falcons jumping off the screen like there were Cheeseheads in Lambeau.

Remember, in this weekly series, I’m featuring one player from the Chicago Bears opponent on each side of the ball who I think will be critical to their team’s success. Like seasons past, you won’t see any quarterbacks, as the nature of the position always makes them critical for a team’s success. I’ll also try and mix in a few under the radar players from time to time.

Gotta start with a familiar face on the Falcons defense.

Defense: Gervon Dexter Sr., #95 – DT

The former 2nd round selection by Ryan Poles in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida appears to be on his way to his best season as a pro after showing substantial improvement in run game and continuing to make his presence felt in the passing game. And to say he will be slightly motivated to prove that moving on from him was a bad move would be the most obvious statement of the season. If Gervon can disrupt Caleb’s return by generating interior pressure in both the run and passing games, Atlanta could hold Chicago within reach to keep this one close. But if Garrett Bradbery and his two stud sidekicks Joe Thuney and Johah Jackson can keep Dexter a non-factor like he was far too often in his Bears tenure, then Bears GM Ryan Poles might get to add another feather in his cap – especially if Grady Jarrett continues his high level of play against his former team on Sunday as well. Check out this nice breakdown by Chicago Bears Central on X.

Offense: Jahan Dotson, #4 – WR

Everyone knows this team runs through All-World running back, Bijan Robinson. And that Drake London and Kyle Pitts are the only other blue-chip players on the roster. But does everyone know that Jahan Dotson is quietly putting together his most impressive season and carving out quite the roll for himself in this Falcons offense? Jahan, just 26 years of age this season, is leading the Falcons in yards per reception at 18.6 yards per catch and has had two consecutive games at 27 yards per reception. Considering how badly the Packers gashed the Chicago secondary deep, Dotson will need to be contained in this one. How will Dennis Allen do this will be fascinating to watch, but hopefully Kyler Gordon is healthy enough to take his men deep as he will likely get a good bit of snaps lined up opposite Dotson this week if so. If Dotson can continue taking the top off the defense and provide the timely spark for this Falcons offense, Caleb and co might have to put up 40 points to win this one. Otherwise, Chicago should be able to comfortably outduel the Falcons with a hobbled Michael Penix under center.

What about you? Did Poles make a mistake getting rid of Dexter? Who will you be focused on this week in the ATL?